While we’re physical distancing here in L.A., I’m taking advantage of the time to sort through my archive of historic Bahamian photos and identify as many of the people in the pictures as possible. Sadly, a notebook in which I had jotted a lot of names and details was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian before I’d had a chance to digitize the information.
Some images are from the collections of family members – my mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and other relatives. Others were sent to me over the years by blog readers or Abaco history buffs. A few I obtained from museums or archives.
So many Abaconians lost their precious family pictures and albums during Hurricane Dorian. It would be great to identify the people in these photos, so I can get copies to their family members if possible.
Each Friday, I’ll share a handful of historic photographs. If you recognize any of the people in them, or can share details about their lives and families, please either comment below or email me directly.
The following week, I’ll share what I’ve learned and post another batch of photos.
Let’s start with the images below, which are courtesy of Hope Town’s Wyannie Malone Museum. Recognize anyone?
PHOTO # 1 
PHOTO #2 
PHOTO #3 
PHOTO #4: UPDATE: Thanks to Bonnie Malone Hall for identifying these folks as the Roberts family. Back row, L-R: Henry Lawrence Roberts, Henry Percival, Dorothy Mae, Donald Lawrence, Irma Lowe Roberts. Front row, L-R: Cynthia Eleanor Marina, Elizabeth, Caroline Winifred (mother of Bonnie’s husband, Arnold Hall.) 
PHOTO #5: UPDATE: Thanks to Joy Lowe Jossi for identifying this woman as Eliza ‘Liza’ Albury Lowe (1864-1949) – mother of Irma Lowe Roberts, pictured in Photo #4.
I have nice memories of Chester Lowe, Neville Key, and Ceryl Pinder from when I was a kid
Amanda, the photo of Frederick LEON Albury 1879-1968 and 4/5 sons grabs me. Leon was a cousin-peer to my two grandfathers at Marsh Harbour, their roots entangled tight. Missing in photo is Ancil “Spotty” Albury. Do you know the story of what happened why he lost the lower part of one leg? My parents, born 1903, knew all of these in school and in the small settlement life. Their names I heard in conversation.
Leon’s son James CUTHBERT Albury 1913-1997 never married. Curthbert Albury, a talented tailor at Marsh Hbr, also organist teacher of my Aunts Emma and Josie Lowe . He made their younger brother Jack Lowe’s first suit, “… an off-white color. First long pants!”
Photo #4 ID Family of Henry LAWRENCE Roberts 1905-1968 married HERMA Winifred Lowe, my mother’s 1st cousin. L-R: Lawrence, Donald, Dorothy, Percy, Herma. Front row: Cynthia, Elizabeth, Kay.
Photo #5 ID ? I suspect she is mother of Herma Lowe (Photo #4) from several factors, one my mother spoke of her Aunt Eliza ‘Liza’ Albury Lowe 1864-1949 well-dressed for church with her gloves. My mother stayed close to them.
Joy Lowe Jossi
Hi, Joy. Yes, I know the details about Uncle Ancil. Per his son, the late Jack Lowe, Uncle Ancil got into a fight as a youngster (about 12 or so, I believe) and his lower leg/ankle got whacked with a cutlass. They put him on a mailboat to Nassau to seek medical aid, but by the time he got there, the wound had progressed so far that the lower leg/foot had to be amputated.
I didn’t know Papa Leon – he died shortly after I was born, but I remember Uncle Ancil, Uncle Cuthbert and Uncle Merlin (they were all brothers of my grandfather, Lionel.) Uncle Cuthbert was a man of many talents – not just tailoring but also upholstery. And at one point, he was a caterer as well. I didn’t know he also taught music… truly a renaissance man. The thing I remember most about him was that he always had Chihuahuas, and he often brought them to Nassau with him. Once, he had a Chihuahua puppy so small it fit into his shirt pocket. (The things that impress us as kids!) 🙂
Thanks for the info about the other photos – glad to be able to put names to faces.
Hope you are well.
Amanda
#1 photo ID could be/looks like/ may be Patricia Florence Roberts 1932 HT – 1982 Nassau. She married Rannie Albury.
Thanks, Joy. Will check it out.
Yes could be her sister to Molly who married my brother-in-law Martin Simms.